Before you begin writing, make a few notes about the points you want to get across.
While you’re writing, try thinking of your reader as a friend to whom you are telling a story.
Try to mention the name of the author and the book title in the first paragraph- there is nothing more frustrating than reading a review of a great book, but not knowing who wrote it and what the title is!
If possible, use one paragraph for each point you want to make about the book. It’s a good way to emphasize the importance of the point. You might want to list the main points in you r notes before you begin.
Try to get the main theme of the book across in the beginning of you r review. Your reader should know right away what he or she is getting into should they choose to read the book!
Think about whether the book is part of a genre. Does the book fit into a type like mystery, adventure, or romance? What aspects of the genre does it use?
What do you like or dislike about the book’s writing style? Is it funny? Does it give you a sense of the place it is set?
Try using a few quotes from the book to illustrate your points. This is not absolutely necessary, but it is a good way to give your reader a sense of the author’s writing style.
Make sure your review explains how you feel about the book and why, not just what the book is about. A good review should express the reviewer’s opinion and persuade the reader to share it, to read the book, or to avoid reading it.
Do research about the author and incorporate what you learn into the review. Biographical information can help you formulate your opinion about the book, and gives your review a “depth”. Remember, a book doesn’t come directly from a printing press, it’s a product of an author’s mind, and therefore it may be helpful to know something about the author and how she or he came to write the book.
Library Book Review Rubric Student NameHomeroom Due Date_ Parent Signature_ Book Review should be a minimum of one full page Times New Roman font size 12. With your name on the rubric (attached to your finished piece- no header on the Book Review itself).
Components of a Book Review 10 points
Introductory paragraph includes: Title, Author, Publisher, and Date of Publication Complete information on characters, setting , and plot Background material about the author and his/her other works.
Focus or Thesis Statement 10 points
The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and outlines the main points to be discussed.
Support for Position 20 points
Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement. The writer anticipates the reader’s concerns, biases or arguments and has provided at least 1 counterargument.
Evidence and Examples 20 points
All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author’s position.
Sentence Structure 10 points
All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.
Grammar and Spelling 10 points
Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distracts the reader from the content.
Voice 10 points
Reviewer should establish a voice, tone, and personal style that make the review interesting.
Conclusion 10 points
The Conclusion should: Reiterate the main points the reviewer has made. Leave the reader with a clear and memorable impression of the work reviewed.
Library Book Review Rubric
Student NameHomeroom
Due Date_
Parent Signature_
Book Review should be a minimum of one full page Times New Roman font size 12. With your name on the rubric (attached to your finished piece- no header on the Book Review itself).
10 points
Title, Author, Publisher, and Date of Publication
Complete information on characters, setting , and plot
Background material about the author and his/her other works.
10 points
20 points
20 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
Reiterate the main points the reviewer has made. Leave the reader with a clear and memorable impression of the work reviewed.